Dozens of union workers arrested on Las Vegas Strip for blocking traffic as thousands rally
Thousands of hotel workers fighting for new union contracts rallied on the Las Vegas Strip where at least 58 who were blocking rush-hour traffic have been arrested
LAS VEGAS — Thousands of hotel workers fighting for new union contracts rallied on the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday evening, halting rush-hour traffic before dozens were arrested for sitting in the street. The stepped-up labor unrest aimed to draw attention to negotiations with three major casino companies.
Seated in two separate circles, workers in red T-shirts blocked cars in both directions for roughly 30 minutes as the sun sank in the west, casting golden rays across one of the most recognizable stretches of the Strip near the Bellagio fountain, the Eiffel Tower replica and Caesars Palace. Police officers with zip ties eventually started taking protesters into custody, leading them to a white police bus with flashing red and blue lights.
Las Vegas police said 58 people were cited for assembling to disturb the peace, a misdemeanor.
“The event was peaceful,” Lt. Mark Lourenco said via text message.
The Culinary Workers Union overwhelmingly voted last month to authorize a strike if they don’t soon reach agreements with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts.
The companies did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment Wednesday.
It also comes at the same time casino workers in Michigan, including employees of the MGM Grand Detroit, are on strike.
Leaders of the Culinary Workers Union said they wanted a show of force ahead of any potential strike.
As the protest began, Kimberly Dopler, a cocktail server at Wynn Las Vegas since it opened in 2005, said she planned to halt traffic.
“I’m hoping that the companies will
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